If a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing, a lack of knowledge can be absolutely disastrous. Even with improved medications, treatments, and resources for people with mental illnesses, those illnesses remain widely misunderstood, as do the individuals affected by them. Misunderstanding leads to stigma, which is best addressed by raising awareness and by replacing myths with accurate information. Advocacy efforts over the past several decades have discouraged stigmatizing language and negative stereotypes about individuals with mental illness; although progress has been made, there is still a long way to go.
In 1949, Mental Health America designated May as “Mental Health Awareness Month”. Since then, that designation has been adopted nationwide; groups such as Mental Health America and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) have been leaders in promoting this month as a time to advocate, to educate, and to support our family members, friends, and neighbors who struggle with mental health issues. We need more than awareness, though, if we want to help improve lives; as Edward Abbey wrote, “Sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul.” Here are some actions you can take in Missoula for Mental Health Awareness Month 2026:
– Attend the free “In Our Own Voices” reading on Saturday, May 9 at Missoula Public Library (and encourage others to attend as well)
-Attend the free public forum “Your Community. Your Voice.” on Tuesday, May 12 at Missoula Public Library (and encourage others to attend as well)
-Borrow and read a book on mental health (Missoula Public Library will have them on display!)
-Host a fundraising event—yard sales and garage sales are always popular—and donate the proceeds to a local mental health group
-Register for a class in Mental Health First Aid and/or suicide prevention (Project Tomorrow | Montana Suicide Prevention)
-Volunteer with NAMI Missoula, the Missoula County Local Advisory Council on Behavioral Health, or Project Tomorrow
-Post (and share relevant posts) on social media
-Write a letter to the editor about mental health (Missoulian, Montana Free Press, Missoula Current)
-Talk to your pastor or the leaders of your faith community and ask them to highlight mental health issues in May. Remind them that speakers are available at no charge from the MLAC and from NAMI Missoula.
-Attend the May meeting of your neighborhood council and talk about mental health issues. Contact the MLAC for handouts and informational sheets to share.
-Talk to your children about mental health issues; find out what they know and what they don’t know. If you can’t answer their questions, contact the MLAC or NAMI Missoula; or go to the national NAMI website: www.nami.org
Many local groups, agencies, and organizations can provide you with information about mental illness. NAMI Missoula offers an excellent list: Community Resources – NAMI Missoula
Mental illnesses by themselves are difficult to live with, but they are often complicated and exacerbated by substance use disorders. People sometimes turn to street drugs, prescription drugs, or alcohol to help them cope with stress, trauma, or mental distress. Drug overdose is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-44, and substance abuse is often a factor in suicides. The week of May 10-16 is National Prevention Week; get information at National Prevention Week | SAMHSA
Combating stigma and working to improve the lives of individuals living with mental illness and/or substance use disorders should not be limited to one month of the year. Make mental health awareness (and action) part of your life all year around!
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